Meredith’s Miracles this week began presenting its first-ever Meredith’s Miracles Miracle Maker awards.

Executive Director Kiley Spears announced the new awards program, which recognizes students for who volunteer with the organization at Cookies with Characters, Meredith’s Fish Fry, Cocoa with Characters, and the Meredith’s Valentine’s Store, for their community service.

Students who volunteer will be recognized each year during awards programs at their schools with certificates. Seniors who volunteer a total of 100 or more hours to the charity during eighth grade through senior year will be awarded medals.

“Through the years, we have learned that our young adult volunteers have such kind and giving hearts,” Spears said. “Community service is the backbone to making our events successful, and it shouldn’t go unnoticed.“

This year, the charity, which provides financial assistance for non-medical expenses incurred by families whose children must travel outside of the local service area for specialized medical care, raised $80,000 with its Cookies with Characters event. But it could not have done so without the support of the dozens of students who portray characters, Spears said.

Digi-print is sponsoring the certificate awards, and

Andalusia Manor and Southeast Gas are sponsoring medals for the seniors.

So far, the reaction has been great, Spears said.

“The kids seem to be very proud of the awards,” Spears said.

Spears got approval from the boards of education in Andalusia, Opp and Covington County before launching the awards, with permission to present the awards at each school’s awards assembly.